Abstract
M.Ing. (Electrical Engineering)
A data mule is defined as a vehicle that physically transports a wireless node capable of
collecting and storing data when in the range of a static wireless node able to provide data.
The data is usually seamlessly transmitted between the data mule and the static nodes and
offloaded to a server when the data mule reaches its final destination. Wireless sensor
network with mobile elements are often used to collect data from delayed tolerant networks
(DTN). A delay tolerant networks refers to systems that do not require immediate upload of
the data collected to a central server. These type of networks includes long term temperature
monitoring systems, communication in deep space and smart metering billing systems.
In order to bill a customer for electricity consumed, at least two cumulative energy consumed
readings must be collected. The difference between the readings will give the energy
consumed for that period and therefore enable metering companies to bill the customer
accurately. The research conducted in this dissertation, will attempt to clarify the parameters
and the technology required to achieve an effective collection of metering data using a data
mule.
The research focused on the collection of electricity meter data using a data collector fitted
on a mini-bus taxi. The mini-bus taxis also referred to as Kombis, are the most common
form of public transport in South Africa. Using their vast road network, it could be possible
to use Kombis to collect data from data concentrators fitted along taxi routes. Using this data
collection scheme, metering companies will have a free metering data collection alternative
that does not rely on the GSM network.